Frontier Country, Eastern Cape
A hauntingly beautiful region, arguably the crucible of South African history, Frontier Country is a vibrant mix of all the best that Africa has to offer. One of the premier tourist routes in the Eastern Cape, it has a turbulent past, with more forts than the rest of South Africa combined.
Now no longer the scene of conflict and strife, Frontier Country is the historic heartland of the Eastern Cape and embodies the spirit of the many and varied cultures who met here and made their mark - Khoi, Xhosa, Boer and British.
They brought with them a rich heritage that can still be seen today in towns and villages all over the Eastern Cape. With Grahamstown at its centre, Frontier Country is one of the most diverse ecological regions in South Africa, with a variety of biomes that provide unspoilt and spectacular scenery. Thousands of hectares are devoted to nature and game conservation, bringing with them the return of great herds of wildlife to the places where they once roamed freely. This malaria-free region is fast gaining local and international popularity for excellent game-viewing with a variety of private reserves which include the Big Five.
Destinations / Town & Suburbs of Frontier Country
Addo
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Addo
Completely overshadowed by the world-renowned Addo Elephant Park, there is actually a little town about an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth, called Addo. This small citrus farming community serves mainly as a supplement to ... addo information
Alicedale
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Alicedale
Situated in the Bushman's River Canyon in the Eastern Cape, Alicedale is 50 kilometres from Grahamstown and 100 kilometers from Port Elizabeth. Surrounded by valley bushveld, the town exhibits a rich multi-cultural ... alicedale information
Alexandria
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Alexandria
Alexandria lies en route to Bushman’s River Mouth and Kenton-on-Sea just 50 kilometres from Port Alfred, roughly halfway between Durban and Cape Town. It is described as a friendly farming community that sustains itself from ... alexandria information
Bathurst
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Bathurst
Bathurst is situated on the fringes of both the Sunshine Coast and Frontier Country, a half hour drive from Grahamstown or 10 minutes from Port Alfred. Halfway between Port Elizabeth and East London, Bathurst is a short ... bathurst information
Colchester
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Colchester
Lying on the banks of the Sundays River, just 20 minutes’ drive from the coast of Port Elizabeth, lies Colchester in a part of the country that remains largely unspoilt, surrounded by sand dunes that date back about 100 000 years ... colchester information
Grahamstown
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Grahamstown
The charm of the small cathedral city of Grahamstown owes much to history. Set in the heart of Settler Country, outstanding examples of Georgian and Victorian architecture, more than 40 churches and several fine museums are ... grahamstown information
Kirkwood
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Kirkwood
The farming community of Kirkwood, in the heart of the Sundays River Valley, close to the northern regions of the Addo Elephant Park, would arguably remain in obscurity were it not for the Kirkwood Wildlife Festival in June ... kirkwood information
Nanaga
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Nanaga
In the foothills of the Zuurberg Mountains, bang in the middle of game reserve country, lies the little village of Paterson - named after its founder, John Paterson. Not quite midway between Shamwari and the Addo Elephant ... nanaga information
Paterson
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Paterson
The somewhat obscure little village of Nanaga scores by dint of the fact that it is ideally placed on the South African map. Not only is it virtually just outside the Greater Addo Elephant Park, but it is also a short ... paterson information
Riebeek East
Where to Stay: Frontier Country Accommodation
Riebeek East is a village lost in time. The Afrikaner architectural influence is visible in the houses and many of the inhabitants can trace their routes back to the original owners of the homes. The village itself has tar ... riebeek east information
Salem
Where to Stay: Frontier Country Accommodation
Salem is en route from Kenton-on-Sea to the N2. It falls within a 50 kilometre radius of the popular town that is typically awash with wild flowers, rolling hills, pineapples and long winding valleys that make a fascinating ... salem information
Sidbury
Where to Stay: Frontier Country Accommodation
Lying in the midst of what is considered 'frontier country', Sidbury is one of several quaint little towns, with Grahamstown as their centre, that make up one of the most ecologically diverse regions in South Africa and the heart of ... sidbury information
Zuurberg
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Zuurberg
Zuurberg lies at the foot of the mountain of the same name. The historic Zuurberg Pass, almost entirely surrounded by the Greater Addo National Park, is a narrow cutting through the Zuurberg Mountains, built in the 1850s and the ... zuurberg information
Frontier Country
Featured and "Must See" Attractions in Frontier Country
Addo Elephant Park
Situated in a malaria free area the magnificently diverse Addo Elephant Park offers a wide variety of game viewing, outdoor adventure, accommodation and cultural experiences. You will be amazed at the variety of South Africa Wildlife that can be experienced in one easily accessible destination ... more information
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve is the southernmost, Big Game, private reserve in Africa - Malaraia Free. This ultimate African adventure stretches along the Bushman's river, halfway between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, and forms a natural extension to the famous Garden Route. The 25 000 hectare game reserve ... more information
Amakhala Game Reserve
Steeped in history and beauty, this 6000-hectare game reserve creates an ideal environment for an unforgettable safari and an intimate experience of the varied landscape, including breathtaking views of the Bushman's River. Amakhala Game Reserve offers ... more information
Bushman Sands Game Reserve
Bushman Sands Game Reserve is situated on nearly 4000 hectares of former farmland. Bushman Sands game reserve offers malaria free sightings of the Big Five game. Working with Shamwari's conservation team, Bushman Sands have reintroduced indigenous animals to the reserve, restoring the ... more information
Bushman Sands Golf Course
This 18-hole championship Bushman Sands Golf Course was designed by South African golfing legend, Gary Player. The course follows the banks of the Bushmans and New Years Rivers, resembling the game's earliest "links" courses in Scotland with undulating fairways and pot bunkers. Unique features at ... more information
Great Fish River Reserve
The spectacularly beautiful Great Fish River Reserve lies in the valley of the Great Fish River, between the town of Grahamstown and Fort Beaufort, extending eastwards all the way to the Kieskama River. It is a malaria-free area of enormous potential that has managed thus far to remain largely off the major ... more information
Lalibela Game Reserve
Lalibela Game Reserves location in the Eastern Cape means it is not only malaria free, but spans 5 eco systems, resulting in a breath-taking diversity of plants, animals and birds. With the recent release of the African lion into the reserve, Lalibela now offers the ultimate Big 5 game viewing experience ... more information
Sibuya Game Reserve
Sibuya Game Reserve covers more than 2000 hectares and incorporates the unique East Cape Valley Bushveld, Grasslands and Coastal Forests. Antelope abound, including the rare Bontebok and Oribi. Malaria Free and conveniently situated near Kenton on Sea on the Sunshine Coast, just 130 kms from ... more information
Thomas Baines Nature Reserve
The Thomas Baines Nature Reserve is situated 12km from Grahamstown. The Thomas Baines Reserve is named after the famous 19th Century artist who left a valuable record of the rich diversity of fauna and flora in the region, including the now-extinct quagga. The nature reserve boasts an impressive herd ... more information
Grahamstown National Arts Festival
Africa's largest and most colourful cultural event offers a choice of the very best of both indigenous and imported talent. Every year for 11 days (June/July) Grahamstown's population almost doubles, as over 50 000 people flock to Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape for a feast of arts, crafts and sheer entertainment ... more information
Blaauwbosch Private Game Reserve
Blaauwbosch Private Game Reserve is an exclusive 5-star private game reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape. The reserve offers a unique and private experience where guests can relax in comfort. Discover a wide variety of game including cheetah, leopard, giraffe, zebra, antelope, abundant birdlife and rare ... more information
Koffylaagte Game Reserve
Nestled in the folds of the Klein Karoo mountains, lies the tranquil country oasis of Koffylaagte Game Reserve, a private game reserve only 130km south-west of Port Elizabeth. This private game reserve, which is now home to over 22 different species of African Antelope, giraffe, white rhino ... more information
Pumba Game Reserve
Lying in a particularly breathtaking setting that includes five of the world’s seven biomes, Pumba Private Game Reserve has a couple of major advantages: one, it is set in a malaria-free part of the Eastern Cape, and two, it provides really easy access to big game viewing, including the Big Five, making travelling to ... more information
Valley of The Ancient Voices
Join a walk tour that spans thousands of years in The Valley of the Ancient Voices. Discover the rock art, relics and artifacts as well as the history of a place that has been used as a home, a refuge and a place of spiritual significance. 20 minutes from Grahamstown and a ... more information
Frontier Country
Featured Things To Do in Frontier Country
Cocktails at Yellow House
Where: Grahamstown
How much (per person): R1 to R100
For a fun night out spend an evening in the centre of Grahamstown enjoying the nightlife at the Yellow House Cocktail Bar or relax on the pa ... more information
Day Safari at Amakhala Game Reserve
Where: Amakhala
How much (per person): R501 to R1000
Guided by experienced rangers on open Land Rovers, Amakhala Game Reserve offers a day safari aimed at providing visitors with an experience ... more information
Frontier Country
Holiday Accommodation in Frontier Country
For accommodation in Frontier Country see:
• Alexandria Accommodation • Alicedale Accommodation • Amakhala Accommodation
• Bathurst Accommodation • Blaauwbosch Accommodation • Bushman Sands Accommodation
• Colchester Accommodation • Grahamstown Accommodation • Greater Addo Accommodation
• Addo Accommodation • Addo Elephant Park Accommodation • Colchester Accommodation
• Kirkwood Accommodation • Nanaga Accommodation • Paterson Accommodation
• Somerset East Accommodation • Zuurberg Accommodation • Kariega Accommodation
• Lalibela Accommodation • Shamwari Accommodation • Sibuya Accommodation
Or to see all accommodation in this region at once, visit Frontier Country Accommodation.
Did you know?
Whether you're in the mood for an informal seaside escape, an encounter with the "Big Five" on safari, or a choice of scintillating city diversions, you're sure to find what you're looking for in the Eastern Cape.
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